travel certified respiratory therapist salary

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Understanding the Basics of a Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary

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If you've been considering a career as a travel respiratory therapist, Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health can provide you with the insights you need to make that decision. From what a travel respiratory therapist does to their earning potential, this guide will help you better understand this allied health role.

What is a Travel Respiratory Therapist?

A travel respiratory therapist is an integral part of the healthcare industry, offering their expertise in heart and lung health in a traveling capacity. Also known as RRT travel jobs , these professionals work in different locations temporarily, providing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

In essence, a travel respiratory therapist provides valuable services on a much-needed basis in areas with staffing shortages or during periods of increased demand, such as a pandemic. This flexibility allows healthcare facilities to provide excellent patient care without interruptions continuously.

How a Travel Respiratory Therapist Differs from a Respiratory Therapist

Both a travel respiratory therapist and a respiratory therapist play crucial roles in providing respiratory care to patients. However, their operational models and work settings significantly differ.

A respiratory therapist often has a fixed workplace, typically in a hospital or nursing center, and they provide long-term care for patients with breathing disorders. On the other hand, a travel respiratory therapist moves from one healthcare facility to another based on the contract they've signed with their allied health staffing agency. They work for a specified term, usually 13 weeks, before moving on either to another assignment or a break.

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The Role of a Travel Respiratory Therapist in Patient Care

A travel respiratory therapist’s role is as comprehensive and crucial as that of a registered respiratory therapist. The primary responsibility of a travel RT is to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or heart conditions.

They help patients from diverse age groups, ranging from newborn infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients suffering from lung diseases. Their work involves performing diagnostic tests, offering treatments, and continuously monitoring the patients' respiratory systems.

Job Opportunities for Travel Respiratory Therapists

The demand for travel respiratory therapists has escalated, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Various job opportunities for travel RTs exist in diverse health facilities.

• Acute care hospitals: These facilities often have a high demand for travel RTs due to a large number of patients requiring critical respiratory care.
• Home healthcare: Some patients prefer home healthcare services where travel RTs can provide respiratory therapy, especially for long-term care patients.
• Rehabilitation centers: Travel RTs find opportunities in these institutions as many patients require respiratory therapy as part of their rehabilitation process.
• Outpatient care centers: These clinics manage various respiratory ailments and hence require the expertise of respiratory therapists.

How Much Does a Travel Respiratory Therapist Make?

Various factors, such as geographical location, requisite skills, years of experience, and more, influence the salary for a travel respiratory therapist. Let's look at what you can expect.

The Average Annual Salary of a Travel Respiratory Therapist

The average annual salary of a travel respiratory therapist may vary based on several factors; however, it's generally higher than that of a registered respiratory therapist. On average, respiratory therapists earn about $74,310 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

How Travel Respiratory Therapist Pay Compares to a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Comparatively, a travel respiratory therapist often earns more than a registered respiratory therapist due to the travel nature of their job. As these professionals primarily fill in during staffing shortages or in geographically isolated regions, their compensation package often comes with additional perks such as housing stipends, travel allowances, and more.

Factors That Influence the Earning Potential of a Travel Respiratory Therapist

Various elements can influence the earning potential of a travel respiratory therapist, including:

• Geographical Location: Higher pay rates are common in areas with a higher cost of living.
• Required Skills and Experience: More experienced therapists or those with specialized skills may earn more.
• The Nature of Assignment: Crisis or rapid response assignments might offer higher pay to incentivize therapists to mobilize quickly.
• The Demand and Supply: Areas with high demand for respiratory therapists but fewer professionals may offer higher salaries.

Why the Pay is Higher for Travel Respiratory Therapists

The rising demand for healthcare services has significantly driven up the salaries of travel respiratory therapists. It mainly hinges on two crucial factors: the transient nature of the job role and the healthcare staffing situations of different regions.

How Does Travel Affect the Pay of a Respiratory Therapist?

Travel Respiratory Therapists are healthcare professionals who have chosen a career path that requires them to move from one healthcare facility to another, tackling different challenges and environments. This sporadic element of their job, which often includes remote or less accessible locations, can push their salaries higher.

The rate at which a travel respiratory therapist is paid, also known as the travel respiratory therapist pay, often exceeds that of local or permanently stationed respiratory therapists due to their adaptable skills. Their exposure to diverse patient care scenarios and a wealth of hands-on experience add significant market value to their profile, resulting in higher pay.

Benefits for Travel Respiratory Therapists Beyond Higher Salaries

Although the travel respiratory therapist salary is a key attraction for these professionals, other benefits further enhance the appeal of these roles. These can include:

• Opportunities for professional growth and learning: Frequent interactions with different healthcare systems and professionals provide rich learning experiences and the chance to develop diverse skill sets.
• Flexible schedules: Many travel respiratory therapists have the freedom to decide when and where they work, offering better work-life balance than traditional roles.

How Health Staffing Impacts the Pay of Travel Respiratory Therapists

Health staffing plays a significant role in determining the pay of travel respiratory therapists. The dynamic nature of health staffing, often influenced by factors such as population growth, disease outbreaks, and changes in healthcare policies, can create sudden gaps in care provision that need to be quickly filled. Travel respiratory therapists with ready-to-move profiles become pivotal resources in such scenarios, triggering a demand surge and, therefore, higher salaries.

How Travel Respiratory Therapists Advance Their Careers

Just as registered nurses and other professionals in allied health fields, travel respiratory therapists also have ample opportunities for career advancement. These can be significantly influenced by the individual's commitment to continuous learning, upskilling, and adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.

How Can an Occupational Therapist Transition into a Travel Respiratory Therapist Job?

Occupational therapists looking to diversify their careers and venture into travel respiratory therapy can explore RRT travel jobs. A smart approach would be to leverage their patient care skills and knowledge about disease management while gaining the required certifications for respiratory care. Employers also generally value professionals who can seamlessly integrate into new environments, making previous experience as a travel-based therapist beneficial.

Embarking on this transition can open doors to unique job opportunities, higher pay, and a whole new level of professional satisfaction.

Jumpstart Your Travel Respiratory Therapist Career With Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health

Securing travel assignments as a registered respiratory therapist is easier than ever with the assistance of Health Caroseul Nursing & Allied Health. We're a traveler-nominated top 10 allied health staffing agency specializing in securing travel assignments that help healthcare professionals have a fulfilling and successful career.

Our professional recruiters work hard to understand the landscape for respiratory therapists and your personal needs career-wise. Partnering with us offers you benefits such as:

• Personalized job postings that align with your education, experience, and aspirations
• A Full Circle of Support
• 401(k) savings options
• Comprehensive health and wellness plans

Are you ready to see what travel respiratory therapist assignments are out there? Check out On Demand , our powerful web app, where you can search and apply for travel respiratory therapist jobs nationwide.

Is being a travel respiratory therapist worth it?

Being a travel respiratory therapist can be a rewarding career choice for those who seek variety and adaptability in their work environment. It offers the opportunity to work in diverse settings, gain experience with different patient populations, and potentially earn a higher salary compared to permanent positions. Additionally, it provides the unique advantage of exploring new locations while honing professional skills, making it a worthwhile consideration for those passionate about both healthcare and travel.

How much do travel respiratory therapists make in the US?

In the United States, travel respiratory therapists typically earn salaries that may vary widely based on location, experience, qualifications, and the specific demands of the job.

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Certified Respiratory Therapist Salary in the United States

Certified respiratory therapist salary.

How much does a Certified Respiratory Therapist make in the United States? The average Certified Respiratory Therapist salary in the United States is $71,043 as of March 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $63,299 and $77,730 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist - $1,951 per week

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What skills does a Certified Respiratory Therapist need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Communicates Effectively: Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose.

Critical Care: Critical care is sometimes referred as intensive care. Intensive care medicine, or critical care medicine, is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and management of life-threatening conditions that may require sophisticated life support and intensive monitoring. An intensivist is a physician who specializes in the care of critically ill patients, most often in the intensive care unit (ICU). Intensivists can be internists or internal medicine sub-specialists (most often pulmonologists), anesthesiologists, emergency medicine physicians, pediatricians (including neonatologists), or surgeons who have completed a fellowship in critical care medicine.

Patient Safety: Patient safety is a discipline and responsibility that emphasizes safety in health care through the prevention, reduction, reporting, and analysis of medical error that often leads to adverse effects. The frequency and magnitude of avoidable adverse events experienced by patients was not well known until the 1990s, when multiple countries reported staggering numbers of patients harmed and killed by medical errors. Recognizing that healthcare errors impact 1 in every 10 patients around the world, the World Health Organization calls patient safety an endemic concern. Indeed, patient safety has emerged as a distinct healthcare discipline supported by an immature yet developing scientific framework. There is a significant transdisciplinary body of theoretical and research literature that informs the science of patient safety. At the same time, efforts are being made to anchor patient safety more firmly in medical education. The resulting patient safety knowledge continually informs improvement efforts such as: applying lessons learned from business and industry, adopting innovative technologies, educating providers and consumers, enhancing error reporting systems, and developing new economic incentives.

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Job Description for Certified Respiratory Therapist

Certified Respiratory Therapist assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Being a Certified Respiratory Therapist also measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is an impairment. Requires an associate degree and a credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Additionally, Certified Respiratory Therapist may be expected to maintain a CPR certification. Typically reports to a manager. Certified Respiratory Therapist 's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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Career Path for Certified Respiratory Therapist

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Certified Respiratory Therapist, the first career path typically progresses to Hyperbaric Technician.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Respiratory Therapy Supervisor position, and then progresses to Respiratory Care Manager.

Company Description

What does a certified respiratory therapist do, are you an hr manager or compensation specialist.

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Certified Respiratory Therapist Pay Difference by Location

Certified Respiratory Therapist salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Certified Respiratory Therapist, the highest Certified Respiratory Therapist salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Certified Respiratory Therapist salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Certified Respiratory Therapist salary is in Miami, FL, where the Certified Respiratory Therapist salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

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Level of education for certified respiratory therapist.

Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Certified Respiratory Therapist salary of your education level.

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• Certified Respiratory Therapist Salaries with a Master's Degree or MBA
• Certified Respiratory Therapist Salaries with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

Certified Respiratory Therapist Salary by State

Geographic variations impact Certified Respiratory Therapist salary levels, due to various factors, such as cost of living, industries, market demand and company budgets. Click below to see pay differences between states.

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Skills associated with Certified Respiratory Therapist: Administer Therapeutic Treatments , Specialized Medical Equipment Operation , Electronic health records (EHR) Software , Perform Diagnostic Tests ... More

Recently searched related titles: Respiratory Therapy Technicians , Respiratory Care Practitioners , Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Respiratory Therapist

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Respiratory Therapist Salary: Listed by State (2024)

by John Landry, BS, RRT | Updated: Apr 19, 2024

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in the healthcare industry, helping patients with breathing problems or respiratory-related diseases.

They work closely with physicians and nurses to provide patient care, diagnostic testing, and cardiopulmonary treatment plans.

As the demand for respiratory therapists continues to rise, the salaries offered for this profession vary significantly in different regions across the United States.

This article lists the average respiratory therapist salary in each state and provides a comprehensive guide to help aspiring respiratory therapists understand the earning potential of this rewarding career path.

How Much Does a Respiratory Therapist Make?

The salary of a respiratory therapist varies based on several factors such as experience, location, education, and the type of facility they work in.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary for respiratory therapists in the United States is $70,540 per year, which equates to approximately $33.91 per hour. The lowest 10 percent of respiratory therapists earned less than $52,000 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,000 per year.

Respiratory Therapist Salary Listed by State

Here is a list of respiratory therapist salaries by state based on the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Alabama: $61,520
• Alaska: $94,590
• Arizona: $74,750
• Arkansas: $65,050
• California: $103,060
• Colorado: $80,270
• Connecticut: $85,310
• Delaware: $85,960
• District of Columbia: $95,240
• Florida: $74,190
• Georgia: $82,400
• Hawaii: $89,960
• Idaho: $71,480
• Illinois: $79,390
• Indiana: $70,360
• Iowa: $68,880
• Kansas: $70,960
• Kentucky: $65,330
• Louisiana: $68,140
• Maine: $73,130
• Maryland: $86,790
• Massachusetts: $90,320
• Michigan: $71,740
• Minnesota: $84,290
• Mississippi: $66,960
• Missouri: $70,450
• Montana: $77,140
• Nebraska: $70,860
• Nevada: $84,750
• New Hampshire: $83,110
• New Jersey: $92,350
• New Mexico: $68,520
• New York: $98,770
• North Carolina: $72,600
• North Dakota: $74,090
• Ohio: $75,150
• Oklahoma: $71,210
• Oregon: $89,170
• Pennsylvania: $74,930
• Puerto Rico: $29,810
• Rhode Island: $79,660
• South Carolina: $71,030
• South Dakota: $61,160
• Tennessee: $65,020
• Texas: $78,130
• Utah: $75,390
• Vermont: $76,510
• Virginia: $76,390
• Washington: $93,820
• West Virginia: $65,000
• Wisconsin: $79,110
• Wyoming: $68,940

Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Respiratory Therapists

Top 10 Lowest-Paying States for Respiratory Therapists

Note: These rankings can vary from year to year based on local economic conditions, changes in healthcare demand, and shifts in funding and policy. Salaries in these states are influenced by factors such as cost of living, state healthcare funding, the concentration of hospitals and medical centers, and regional differences in patient demographics and health needs.

What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

They work under the direction of physicians to diagnose and treat patients with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma , emphysema, bronchitis, and pneumonia. They also provide emergency care to patients with heart attacks, stroke, drowning, and other life-threatening conditions.

Respiratory therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. They play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life by helping patients breathe easier and achieve optimal lung function.

The job duties of a respiratory therapist can vary by facility but typically include the following:

• Assessing patients for lung disease
• Administering aerosol medications
• Delivering oxygen therapy
• Administering lung expansion therapy
• Administering chest physical therapy (CPT)
• Administering airway clearance therapy
• Managing patients on the mechanical ventilator
• Assisting with endotracheal intubation
• Drawing arterial blood gas (ABG) samples
• Designing and implementing treatment plans
• Managing patients with a tracheostomy
• Suctioning and analyzing sputum
• Analyzing chest x-rays
• Assessing vital signs
• Performing electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Performing pulmonary functions testing (PFT)
• Responding to Code Blue and emergencies
• Assisting with pulmonary rehabilitation
• Educating patients on smoking cessation

Job Outlook

The field of respiratory care is projected to grow at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations, with a 14 percent increase expected by 2031. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of respiratory conditions, particularly among the aging population.

Conditions such as pneumonia , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other disorders that affect lung function are expected to become more common, leading to an increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatments.

This demand will primarily be in hospitals, where most respiratory therapists currently work, but there may also be increased demand for respiratory therapists in health clinics and doctors’ offices as healthcare providers increasingly focus on reducing readmissions to hospitals and providing more patient care in outpatient facilities.

The BLS projects that there will be about 9,400 openings for respiratory therapists each year, on average, over the next decade. While this is a positive sign for job seekers in the field, it’s worth noting that many of these openings will be due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.

CRT vs. RRT Salary

A certified respiratory therapist (CRT)  holds the entry-level credential that is obtained by passing the national board exam with a low-cut score. A registered respiratory therapist (RRT) , on the other hand, holds a more advanced credential that is obtained by passing two national board exams.

The salaries for both credentials can vary based on several factors; however, in general, RRTs tend to earn higher salaries on average than CRTs.

Note: The RRT credential is preferred by most employers because it demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and competence. In addition, RRTs may be eligible for positions that are closed to CRTs, such as management and supervisory roles. These positions typically come with a higher salary as well.

Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary

A travel respiratory therapist is a licensed professional who works on a contract basis for a temporary period of time at various healthcare facilities in different states or regions of the country.

They work as independent contractors or through staffing agencies that specialize in travel healthcare jobs.

Travel respiratory therapists can earn higher salaries than regular respiratory therapists due to the demand for their services in different locations and the short-term nature of their contracts.

According to  Zip Recruiter , the average salary for a travel respiratory therapist is around $43.00 per hour, which amounts to an annual salary of approximately $89,915

However, the salary of a travel respiratory therapist may vary depending on the location of the assignment, experience, and specific job requirements. Additionally, travel respiratory therapists may receive additional benefits such as paid housing, travel expenses, and health insurance coverage.

FAQs About Respiratory Therapist’s Salary

What is the starting salary of a respiratory therapist.

The median annual salary for respiratory therapists is approximately $70,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,000 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,000 per year.

New respiratory therapists can expect to earn a starting salary on the lower end of this range. However, experience and additional education can increase their earning potential over time.

What Influences the Salary of a Respiratory Therapist?

Several factors can influence the salary of a respiratory therapist, including:

• Location: The cost of living and demand for respiratory therapists in a particular geographic area can affect salaries.
• Experience: Respiratory therapists with more experience are often paid more than those just starting out.
• Education and Credentials: Respiratory therapists with additional certifications, credentials, or advanced degrees may earn higher salaries.
• Type of Employer: Respiratory therapists employed in hospitals, for example, may earn higher salaries than those employed in outpatient care centers.
• Specialization: Respiratory therapists who specialize in a particular area, such as neonatal or pediatric care, may earn higher salaries.
• Shift Differentials: Respiratory therapists who work night or weekend shifts may earn higher salaries due to shift differentials.

Note: These factors may not have the same weight or impact on salaries across all regions and facilities, and salary negotiations may vary depending on the employer and individual circumstances.

Does Location Affect the Salary of a Respiratory Therapist?

Yes, salaries can vary significantly from state to state and even within different regions of the same state. Factors such as the cost of living, demand for respiratory therapists, and local healthcare industry standards can all influence the salaries offered in a particular area.

For example, states with a higher cost of living may offer higher salaries to compensate for the higher expenses, while areas with a greater demand for respiratory therapists may offer higher salaries to attract more qualified candidates.

Are There Job Opportunities in the Field of Respiratory Therapy?

Yes, there are plenty of job opportunities in the field of respiratory therapy. In fact, as previously mentioned, the job outlook for respiratory therapists is quite positive.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow 14 percent by 2031. This rate is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Note: Job opportunities for respiratory therapists are expected to remain strong in the coming years, making this an attractive career path for those interested in healthcare.

Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist Hard?

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires completing an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy, passing licensing exams, and participating in hands-on clinical training.

The educational journey includes intensive courses in health sciences and can be challenging , but with dedication, it’s certainly achievable for those interested in healthcare.

Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist Worth It?

Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career, offering the chance to significantly impact patients with breathing disorders.

It provides financial stability with a competitive median annual wage and opportunities for growth due to increasing healthcare demands. For many, the personal and professional benefits make pursuing this career worthwhile .

Related: Pros and Cons of Being a Respiratory Therapist

Final Thoughts

The median annual salary of a respiratory therapist is approximately $70,000 per year; however, the amount may vary significantly based on several factors, including location, experience, education, and the type of facility in which they work.

Respiratory therapists who work in certain states or metropolitan areas may earn significantly higher salaries than the national average, while those who work in rural areas or less populous states may earn less.

Additionally, respiratory therapists with  advanced degrees or credentials may have higher earning potential than those with only an associate degree.

Overall, the salary of a respiratory therapist can provide a comfortable living and a rewarding career, especially for those who are passionate about helping others.

As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, respiratory care is a promising field with strong job growth and competitive salaries.

Written by:

John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.

• “Respiratory Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; 2024.
• Respiratory Therapist Travel Salary. (n.d.). Zip Recruiter, 2024.

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Moscow or St. Petersburg – Which Russian City Is Better?

June 4, 2017 by Bino 7 Comments

As two of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia, most travelers who visit the world’s largest countries end up making their way to both Moscow and St. Petersburg. Both cities have a wealth of attractions, including palaces, churches as well as exciting culinary and nightlife scenes. But what if you find yourself able to visit only one – should you visit Moscow or St. Petersburg? Alternatively, if you have time for both, in which city do you spend more days?

During a recent trip to Russia, I had a similar problem deciding. My trip allowed me to visit both cities but I was not sure in the beginning whether I should stay for more days in Moscow or St. Petersburg. As such, the comparison I am going to do here applies both to those trying to allocate the number of days between the two cities as well as those who have enough time to visit only one,

As Russia’s capital, the city serves as the financial center of the country. The city is highly cosmopolitan. You will find a large number of people from all around Russia here and even people from the former Soviet republics. Moscow also has a noticeable expat population and you’ll find various types of eateries here from Japanese to French as well as Italian – the latter which local chefs do very well.

a view of the kremlin over the moskva river

While the city sits firmly in Europe and plenty of the surrounding architecture are certainly typical of the continent, Moscow can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming (and clogged), not to mention polluted due to the smoke coming out of the cars. There are plenty of highways circling the city to reach areas outside the central core. Moscow is definitely one of the great cities of the world.

• Moscow is one of the world’s largest cities and you won’t get bored here. There are plenty of districts from which to explore. Personally, I love the area surrounding the Patriarshy Ponds filled with plenty of charming shops and hip restaurants.
• If you decide to spend more time or devote your entire time in Russia to Moscow, you’ll be pleased that there are plenty of day trip and excursion opportunities from here. The towns around the golden ring, i.e. Suzdal, Vladimir, Sergiev Posad, etc are either a car or train ride away and can easily keep you preoccupied for a couple of days.
• The city is not as touristy as St. Petersburg and that’s a good thing. I visited the Kolomenskoye Park for example, which houses a UNESCO World Heritage Site, without encountering the tour groups I typically see in St. Petersburg.
• If the hipster culture interests you, you’ll be pleased that you have plenty of options in Moscow. The most prominent is Flacon , a short walk from Dmitrovskaya station.

the izmailovo kremlin – one of the places you should include in your moscow trip

• Overall, I found Moscow to be more expensive – both in terms of hotels, food as well as transport. The Russian capital is frequently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. All it takes is a visit to the iconic GUM shopping mall to see the astronomical prices.
• If you are visiting Moscow independently, you might find getting by via public transport a bit confusing. When taking the metro in particular, the signs are all in Cyrillic so it’s helpful to learn a bit of the alphabet in order to familiarize yourself with the names of the places. If any consolation, some of the stations are among the most beautiful subway stations in the world.
• While both Moscow and St. Petersburg have less charming Soviet style buildings, you’ll find more in Moscow – being once the capital of the Soviet Union.
• There are no shortage of sights in Moscow but many of them are scattered all around the city. Interesting places in the outskirts include: Kolomenskoye Park, the Izmailovo Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent and Flaocon. But these are at different directions from the center.

Where I stayed in Moscow: I found the InterContinental Tverskaya Moscow to be conveniently located. It’s within a short walk from at least 3 metro stations while the Red Square is just down the road. Service overall is fantastic compared to other Moscow hotels and vacation rental options and there are good deals to be had during weekends. You can also compare the best prices for hotels in Moscow HERE .

St. Petersburg

view of st. petersburg from st. isaac’s cathedral

Established some 300 years ago by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg probably ranks among the most visually appealing cities in Europe. Almost any building in the central core for example can be considered as a tourist attraction. The city is one of the great touristic cities in Europe – hosting plenty of daytrippers from cruises around the Baltics or Scandinavia.

inside the church of spilled blood in st. petersburg

• The city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with plenty of classical and baroque architecture. Peter the Great spared no expense in hiring the best architects from Western Europe when he established the city.
• St. Petersburg is relatively cheaper than Moscow. Uber rides between most points within the city center don’t go beyond $5.
• Many of the tourist attractions are concentrated within the center so it’s fairly easy to walk from one attraction to another or take a short cab ride.
• The city derives a good part of its income in tourism and you’ll find plenty of signs in English and even in other foreign languages. While I was there, I saw many restaurants and shops displaying signs in Chinese.

outside the hermitage

• While you will find daytrip opportunities in the form of Petrograd as well as Catherine Palace, they’re significantly less than if you choose to base yourself in Moscow.
• St. Petersburg can get quite touristy and you could find the crowds a bit maddening and you might even need to queue for a long time to enter. It’s possible to purchase tickets for some attractions online but others are available only on the spot.

Where I stayed in St. Petersburg: I was pleasantly surprised by the Crowne Plaza Ligovsky . Some of the rooms are styled like a palace with engravings on the walls. Fresh juices were served during breakfast – something relatively unheard of for a 4 star hotel. Best of all, it is located just across Galeria, one of the biggest shopping malls in St. Petersburg. You can also check out some other hotels and compare the best prices HERE for St. Petersburg.

Where to go if you could choose only one city?

Both Moscow and St. Petersburg are great in their own ways. However, if your stay in Russia is very short and barring any other limitations, I would suggest going to St. Petersburg instead. My reasons are as follows: St. Petersburg is quicker to navigate. You can finish most of the main attractions within a couple of days by focusing on the city center and perhaps visiting the area north of the river. In contrast, Moscow is quite spread out. The city is so much more than the Kremlin and Red Square that it will take you more days to really see the city. It would be better to visit Moscow next time when you have more days to spare.

If you have enough time for both cities, where should you allocate more days?

On the other hand, if you have more time to visit both cities and are deciding where to allocate more days – I would suggest allocating more days for Moscow. Other than the extra time required to see the city outskirts, you could also use the extra days to arrange excursions to the cities in the Golden Ring. Also check out my suggested one week itinerary for Russia . Alternatively, you can also consider venturing to Russia’s third capital, the multicultural city of Kazan if you have time.

Tips for Russia

• Know the Cyrillic alphabet  – the local alphabet is not difficult and is actually quite fun to learn especially after you learn how many words sound the same in both Russian and English! This will help greatly when you navigate metro stations and read shop signs.
• Travel insurance – If you are going for a simple eating trip near your home country, travel insurance may not be needed but for Russia which is quite far and rather exotic, I decided to purchase one. I bought from  this provider which has a higher than average medical coverage and compensates you for things like accidents and lost items at a relatively cheap price.
• Buy metro cards – Getting the metro cards in cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg will save you lots when it comes to transport cost and is far more convenient than buying tickets on the spot. For places that are not covered by the metro, you can consider ride-sharing apps like UBER.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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August 31, 2018 at 7:19 am

I’m researching whether to choose Moscow or St. Petersburg and this helped me decide. St. Petersburg it is. Thank you!

January 5, 2019 at 6:53 am

I have been to moscow and lived there for a while i only find out that in moscow people are so aggressive and not friendly at all. If you don’t kniw the Russian language then it means you would be in problems. People don’t like to help others. if you can’t find any address don’t ask any one they will not answer you.time is money for them they don’t waist time for you.

May 24, 2019 at 12:03 pm

That’s surprising! Me and a friend spent a week in Moscow without knowing a drop of Russian and everyone was so friendly and helpful to us. Sorry to hear your experience wasn’t too good 🙁

November 7, 2019 at 3:10 pm

Really??? You were extremely unlucky…

February 1, 2019 at 8:46 am

Im 17yrs old and i am being offered full scholarship in senior high in russia. I am told to select moscow or st petersburg. Thank you for this, i might pick st petersburg.

November 5, 2019 at 2:08 am

Thank you for all the helpful information. There are a lot of blogs comparing the two cities, but your info is really concise and practical.

I will plan to visit both but spend a bit more time in Moscow (if I can afford the hotels!!).

What time of year were you in Russia? I would like to go during the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg.

November 7, 2019 at 10:37 am

Hi, I was there in May.

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